About Us > Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Gabriel "Gabe" Castaneda – General Manager

Gabe joined D&R Autoworks in July of 2003 as a service consultant and was promoted to General Manager in May 2004. Gabe has been a key part to the growth and development of the Company. Gabe handles all day to day operations for the business, including parts and fluid research. In 2006 Gabe married his wife Chrissy. When Gabe is not running “the shop” He enjoys spending time with family, his nieces and nephews, golfing, playing craps, sports and watching the real Chicago Baseball team, the Chicago White Sox.

Jeff Swanson – Service Consultant

Jeff joined D&R Autoworks in July of 2010 until December 2012 and returned in October of 2013. He has been in the automotive industry for forty years. Jeff’s honesty and work ethics are what customers and employees love about him the most. He is always light-hearted with a smile on his face. He provides a level of customer service that is so rare to see, he not only insures to remember customer’s names, he truly cares about what is going on in their lives. Outside of work Jeff enjoys golfing, watching movies and documentaries, and video games. Jeff loves the baseball season, Go Cubs!!

Kenneth "Ken" Burmeister – Service Consultant

Ken joined D&R Autoworks in February of 2016. He has been in the automotive industry since 1989. Outside of work Ken enjoys golf, watching the Blackhawks, and the Cubs. When you meet our newest service consultant, are you reminded of chef, Guy Fieri?

Paul Bizoukas – Service Consultant

Paul joined D&R Autoworks in December of 2015. He has been in the automotive industry for twenty-five years. Paul and wife, Victoria, will be celebrating thirteen years of marriage this year. They have a daughter, Amanda, who just recently turned twenty-six. When Paul is not at work he enjoys sports, especially the Blackhawks. Paul is an excellent bowler.

Julie Osterhout – Front Office

Julie joined D&R Autoworks in July of 2014. She has fifteen years of customer service experience. Julie’s motto with customer service is “People wont always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” Julie celebrated her twelfth wedding anniversary in March with her husband, Todd. Julie is originally from South Carolina, but since Todd is currently in the US Navy, she was fortunate enough to come to Illinois and find D&R. She feels like the best part about D&R Autoworks is that it feels like family, family with the employees and customers.

Michelle Buss – Book Keeping The one Responsible for keeping Dan under control

Michelle worked for Crate and Barrel for over 20 years as an inventory control manager. She retired in December 2000 to be a stay at home mom for our second daughter Amanda who was born in March 2001. Michelle was then recruited by Dan to handle the bookkeeping for D&R Autoworks after Dan bought out his business partner in 2004. Michelle and Dan have 2 daughters, Daniela and Amanda.

Luis Montes - Technician

Luis joined D&R Autoworks in April of 2006. Luis is married with three boys, his oldest son Luis Jr. is eleven years old, Christopher is eight years old and then Jonathan is four years old. He went to WYO Tech Automotive and after graduating in 1999, Luis has been working in the automotive industry since. He currently holds 7 A.S.E Certifications.

Walter "Wally" Chmielarz – Master Technician

Wally joined D&R Autoworks in July of 2007. With more than twenty years’ experience in the automotive industry, He is an ASE Certified Master Technician. Walter holds a technical degree from Lincoln Technical Institute and graduated from Prosser Vocational Career Academy with a degree in Machine Tool and Machine Technology. Wally has had a wide range of positions - from parts sales, porter, all the way to master technician - this has provided Wally with so much insight and providing D&R with an invaluable employee. He enjoys that D&R Autoworks provides him with the opportunity to work on import and domestic vehicles that range from 1920’s classics to the latest hybrid technology. Wally is a Chicago native, who currently lives in River Grove with his wife, Sarah, and their two dogs, Charlie and Dizzy. When he isn’t working you can find Wally in his own garage working on his classic car, while his smoker cooks away on the patio.

Jesus "Jesse" Orozco - Technician

Jesse joined D&R Autoworks in March of 2011. Jesse was born in Mexico and came to the USA when he was nine years old. He and his wife, Maria, have been married for twenty years. They have a son, Jesse Jr. and daughter, Angela. Jesse has over twenty years of experience in the Automotive Industry. After graduating high school in 1991, from Waukegan East High School, Jesse went to UTI and graduated in 1993. He is ASE certified in five areas; Engine Repair, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic System, and Engine Performance. Jesse enjoys going to Automotive Seminars and to the BMW Suspension, Steering, and Engine classes that provide the opportunity for Jesse to get further knowledge.

Nen Chy – General Service Technician

Nen joined D&R Autoworks in May of 2014. Nen attended UTF in 2000 and immediately after began working as a technician at a dealership. Nen has two beautiful daughters Jillian, who is seven and Davina who will be one in May. When Nen is not working he enjoys spending time with his family and playing video games. Nen’s happy and easy-going personality brings motivation and drive to the shop.

Marco Vega – General Service Technician

Marco joined D&R Autoworks in January of 2015. He has been working in the automotive industry for eleven years, with dealerships and with independent shops. Marco is ASE certified in Brakes, Suspension and Steering, HVAC, Engine Performance, Electrical Systems, and Engine Repair. A Proficient MIG Welder and installing custom exhaust systems. He enjoys detailing cars, racing go-karts, formula 1 racing, and music of all genres.

Mitchell "Mitch" Sokolsky - Master Technician

Mitch joined D&R Autoworks in March of 2015. Mitch has been in the automotive industry for twenty-nine years. He is an ASE Master Technician. He is a resident of Buffalo Grove. Mitch loves motorcycles and spending time with his son, Cody and his daughter, Heather.

Patrick Shields – Master Technician

Patrick joined D&R Autoworks in May of 2015. Patrick is an L1 ASE Master Technician with twenty-two years of experience. He married his wife Anne in October of 2015, and they are expecting their first child in July of this year. It’s a GIRL!! When Patrick is not working he enjoys fishing, bowling, golf, softball, and shooting.

Jeff Wiszowaty –Master Technician

Jeff joined D&R Autoworks in September of 2015. Jeff has been in the automotive industry for 24 years. Jeff is a Master + L1 technician. He is engaged to Merilee. When not working he enjoys spending time at the shooting range, working on the house, and boating on the weekends during the summer.

Alfredo "Freddie" Valle – Intern/Apprentice

Freddie is D&R Autoworks first intern. He currently attends Triton College. Freddie graduated from Highland Park High School. During his free time Freddie enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing sports.

Ramon Washington- Porter

Ramon joined D&R Autoworks in March of 2008. A self-proclaimed workaholic, he currently works two full-time jobs. His easy going persona is how he connects with the customers so well. As a porter he provides shuttle service, pick-up and delivery of customer’s vehicles, checking in vehicles, washes vehicles, parts pick-up, and daily cleaning task. When he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his small family that lives in the state (mom, brother, and uncle), video games, collecting vinyl, making music, and creating art. His love for cars and motorcycles is just one more reason that Ramon is a perfect fit with D&R.

Demetricess "Dee" Wells- Porter Supervisor

Dee joined D&R Autoworks in February of 2014. A lifelong resident of Lake County. Dee is D&R Autoworks Porter Supervisor. In his position as Porter Supervisor, he insures that the daily and weekly tasks are completed, vehicles are clean, and that vehicles are checked in correctly. As an OEF Army Vet who served six years, he is able to provide impeccable supervisory skills and training. Outside of work Dee enjoys running, working out, and his favorite sport is tennis. When time allows Dee enjoys participating in 5k races.

Johny Coronel- Porter

Johny joined D&R Autoworks in October of 2015. Johny is 19 years old and a Highwood resident. As a porter he provides shuttle service, pick-up and delivery of customer’s vehicles, checking in vehicles, washes vehicles, parts pick-up, and daily cleaning task. He enjoys spending time with his family of five, playing video games, and playing soccer. A self-proclaimed perfectionist and workaholic.

Agustin "Auggie" Favela- Porter

Agustin is our newest member at D&R Autoworks, he started at the end of February 2016. Agustin has been a resident of Pilsen his entire life. After graduating from high school, he worked at Pep Boys. He is perusing his degree at Morton College for Architectural Technology Design. As a porter he provides shuttle service, pick-up and delivery of customer’s vehicles, checking in vehicles, washes vehicles, parts pick-up, and daily cleaning task. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with friends and family.